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Accidents Involving Thin Ice In At Least Four Towns

An inlet in the Riverside section of Greenwich, where two teenagers fell through the ice. They escaped without serious injury. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Police.

An inlet in the Riverside section of Greenwich, where two teenagers fell through the ice. They escaped without serious injury. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Police.

HARTFORD (CBS Connecticut) — The recent frigid weather may have brought ice to Connecticut roads and the eaves of houses but authorities are warning that the ice on state waterways may not be as thick as people believe. At least three incidents were reported in the state on Thursday.

In West Haven, the fire department rescued a70-year-old man who had fallen through the ice of Lake Phipps, Firefighters say he was in the water about 15 minutes before they pulled him out. He was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.

Then, shortly after 1:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon, police, fire and ambulance personnel were called to an inlet off Long Island Sound in the Riverside section of Greenwich to rescue two teenagers who had fallen through the ice. Police say they were not seriously injured, but were taken to Stamford Hospital to be checked.

In Ashford, one person went into the water in Ashford Lake. He was able to get out safely but was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., one person fell through the ice on a pond in Hebron. He was rescued and his condition being evaluated.

Officials at the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection say the thickness of the ice can vary greatly on different waterways and in different sections of lakes and ponds. Environmental Conservation Police Captain Raul Camejo says no one should go out alone, and anyone going out should dress properly and have an escape plan. He advises a personal flotation device under winter coats for safety.